Earticle

MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), a bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor with a leucine zipper, is a key regulatory protein for the pigmentation process in melanocytes. Binding of MITF to E-box caused transcription of several pigmenting genes including the tyrosinase gene. The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction of MITF and its DNA binding site (E-box, CATGTG) by surface plasmon resonance. Label free DNA-protein interaction assay, SPR (surface plasmon resonance) was used to analyze their interactions on the gold surface. It is expected that SPR can be a useful method to study of MITF and E-box interactions. And we hope to apply this study as a screening tool for depigmenting agents in the cosmetic industry.

MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), a bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor with a leucine zipper, is a key regulatory protein for the pigmentation process in melanocytes. Binding of MITF to E-box caused transcription of several pigmenting genes including the tyrosinase gene. The purpose of this study is to analyze the interaction of MITF and its DNA binding site (E-box, CATGTG) by surface plasmon resonance. Label free DNA-protein interaction assay, SPR (surface plasmon resonance), coated by EDC (Ethyl-3-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) / NHS (N-Hydroxysuccinimide) were used with amine coupling methods that permitted efficient immobilization of DNA on the gold surface. It is expected that SPR can be a useful method to study of MITF and E-box interactions.